The 2009 200C - concept - was billed as an electric vehicle, whose fate is unknown.
Chrysler Group LLC today released photos of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan that will replace the Sebring when it goes on sale late this year.
The tightly cropped photos of the revised car show that it borrows some cues from the 200C EV Concept that appeared at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as the company was on the verge of bankruptcy.
A companion Dodge model was also shown at that time, but no word on the fate of the Dodge or whether an electric version promised then will ultimately appear. It is a reasonable assumption that the Dodge car line is on its way to extinction.
It's a good assumption that the production 200 when revealed will use the rest of the concept's cues.
Chrysler says that virtually every system in the sedan is new or upgraded for 2011, giving the Chrysler 200 its own identity and space in the highly competitive mid-size sedan segment that Toyota, Honda and Nissan dominate.
Exterior and sheet metal upgrades include: front and rear fascias and fenders, a grille featuring the new Chrysler brand winged badge, hood, rear deckled and exterior mirrors, new projector headlamps and fog lamps, new LED taillamps and a LED center high-mounted stop light.
The Chrysler 200 also has a revised powertrain lineup with a 2.4-liter I4 engine mated to either a four- or six-speed automatic transaxle, or the new Pentastar V6 engine which produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle.
It’s said that improved ride and handling results from stiffened body mounts and a softer ride rate, improved suspension geometry with a raised roll center, a new rear sway bar, and new tires.
It is also claimed there will be reductions of noise, vibration and harshness coming tweaks that include an acoustic laminated glass for the windshield and front door windows.
The Dodge version is likely history.
Inside there’s a new instrument panel, upgraded seats with more cushion material and revised spring geometry, as well as new leather and cloth materials, new “soft touch” door trim panels and armrests.
The Chrysler 200 will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich. and will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter 2010.